Two years ago today, I arrived in Candelaria making it my new home. I moved to this gorgeous village on February 2, 2010. I am so incredibly grateful to be a part of what the Lord is doing in this village. This has been an incredibly painful year as we have dealt with so

much death and loss in our community and church family. It has been the most difficult year of my life, but it has also been glorious! I have known the Lord in a deeper way. I can truly say as David said, "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him." ~Psalm 34:8 
    I also have just loved the way that the my ministry has grown and changed in so many beautiful ways this past year. For the first year, much of my time was dedicated to language and

culture learning. Now I feel like I belong here. My language no longer impedes my ability to minister and communicate. Also, in my first year, all of my time was spent ministering among the teenagers. This year my ministry has expanded to include so much more time with the children and families in the community (pictured above right with some of my beautiful kids and left visiting at the Corner House). I have begun working with our Adopt-a-Student program and Sunday school. And of course continuing to disciple the teenagers that I love so much. I feel so blessed!!! Thank You Lord for allowing me to be a part of all that You are doing in Candelaria!

* I am still in need of financial support for this next year. If you would like to help me keep ministering for another 2 years, you can give a one-time or monthly tax-deductible donation by clicking the "Support Me!" link on the left of this page.  

    Check out this video montage of my second year in Candelaria.